The Eastern Regional Chapter of the Forestry Commission Ladies Association (FCLA) in collaboration with the management of Koforidua Clinic has held a Breast Cancer Awareness Day by organising health talks on breast, cervical and prostate cancers.
In attendance were the Regional Manager, Mr. Isaac Noble Eshun; Deputy Regional Manager(FSD),Mr. Emmanuel Owusu
Nkwantabisa; the Assistant Human Resource Manager, Mr. Koranteng William; Opoku Rebecca Takyiwaah, organizer FCLA; Janpuo Zakia secretary FCLA; staff of Koforidua Clinic and all members of the Association.
Miss Irene Kwakyewaa, a nurse at the Koforidua Clinic, welcomed all guests present and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of FC and Koforidua Clinic for putting resources together to organise such an educative event. She mentioned that the month of October has been set aside annually to educate and empower everybody especially women to be weary of breast cancer and encouraged all present to visit the hospital for regular checkups as early detection saves lives.
The Chairman of the event, Mr. Moses Anongura, Eastern Regional Manager, WD, in a statement read on his behalf by Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Nkwantabisa, said breast cancer is a significant concern that affects many individuals around the world. He urged all present to listen attentively, gain in-depth knowledge about breast cancer, share with friends and families and most importantly incorporate what they have learnt into their daily lives.
He added that, the health and well being of staff of the Commission is important to the growth and general progress of FC.
Miss Jennifer Tagoe, a nurse at the Koforidua Clinic, who served as a resource person explained that breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. She went further to outline causes, risk factors, symptoms and some treatment options. She demonstrated how to self-examine the breast and the signs to look out for when examining the breasts. ‘‘Not only women can be affected’’, she stated.
Madam Hannah Gyimah, a midwife at the Koforidua Clinic, spoke about cervical and prostate cancers and said, ‘’these cancers do not show any symptoms’’. She urged all to visit the hospital regularly to get checked as that helps to detect the disease in its early stage for treatment because the third stage of these cancers can only be managed. ‘’An individual less than 30 years cannot test for cervical cancer’’, she stated.
The programme came to an end with an interactive and breast screening session for staff, food vendors and market women present.
